§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on(a) the effectiveness of his Department's no-smoking policy and (b) the proportion of his Department's offices that do not allow smoking. [125147]
§ Dr. HowellsMy Department operates a smoking policy designed to minimise staff exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in order to ensure their health, safety and welfare, and prevent significant discomfort. Advice and guidance is available to staff who wish to give up, cut down, or control their smoking. In buildings occupied and controlled by my Department, smoking is only permitted in a small number of designated rooms or areas.